The kidneys are located in the small of your back (the lower back) just a couple of inches above your waist, and to either side of your spinal column (vertebrae). Each is about the size of your fist. (This can be said to be an accurate statement about the size of kidneys because each person’s kidneys are proportionate to the rest of their body size and frame. Thus, each person’s kidneys are about the size of THEIR fist.)